Best Places to Camp in Yosemite National Park
by Aventura on October 22, 2022
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. It is home to many iconic adventures such as Half Dome and El Capitan, and it is also a great place to camp. If you are planning a trip to Yosemite, you must find a good campsite… well in advance.
There are many different types of campsites in Yosemite. You can choose from primitive sites that require no amenities, or sites with hookups for water and electricity. There are also options for tent camping and RV camping as well. No matter what type of camping experience you want or need, there is a site that will suit you at Yosemite National Park.
This guide will explore some of the best places to camp in Yosemite National Park so that you can have an amazing trip!
8 Best Campsites in Yosemite
When you plan a trip to Yosemite, you will be able to find a place to stay in the park. There are many places that you can stay including campgrounds, hotels, cabins, and even bed and breakfasts. The best way to ensure that you get the most out of your Yosemite National Park experience is by camping.
There are many different types of camping available in Yosemite National Park. Some campsites are walk-in only, tent sites, and RV-only sites. Each type of campsite has its amenities, so it is important to make sure that you know what type of camping you want before arriving at the park.
The following are some of the best places to camp in Yosemite National Park:
Porcupine Flat Campground
Located just outside Yosemite Valley on the drive up, this campground is often full, especially on weekends– but first come first served means that if you want this site, get there early! It's popular because it's close and easy to get to. The 8,100-foot Porcupine Flat Campground is located on Tioga Road (Highway 120) about an hour and fifteen minutes north of Yosemite Valley. There are no electrical or water hookups at Porcupine Flat and only one dump station. This means you'll need to bring water or boil it, so prepare accordingly.
How to book: First come, first served
Dog friendly: On leash, always attended. Pets are not allowed on Yosemite trails.
Open Season: Approx. July - mid-October
Upper Pines Campground
Located just outside of the center of Yosemite Valley, this campground is one of the largest in the park. There are 240 sites available at Upper Pines, including 50 walk-in tent sites and 250 RV sites with water and electric hookups. The site also offers showers and laundry facilities as well as dump stations for RVs and trailers. Each campground has its fire pit, picnic table, and storage box for perishables. Flush toilets and potable water from the tap are accessible in the common washrooms. The use of wood for fireplaces is authorized year-round.
How to book: Recreation.gov
Dog friendly: On leash, always attended. Pets are not allowed on Yosemite trails.
Open Season: Year-round
North Pines Campground
This campground has a total of 81 sites, which makes it perfect for larger groups looking for an affordable place to park their RVs overnight. The sites are spacious enough that even if you have multiple vehicles, they shouldn’t feel cramped together. The campground is located close to many trails and attractions, including Merced River and Tenaya Creek. This camping spot welcomes pets with open arms.
How to book: Recreation.gov
Dog friendly: On leash, always attended. Pets are not allowed on Yosemite trails.
Open Season: Approx mid-Apr to mid-Oct
Lower Pines Campground
Lower Pines Campground is a great place to base yourself when you want to explore Yosemite Valley and its surrounding areas. This campground offers 60 sites with some being walk-in only, so if you’re looking for more of a quiet camping experience then this may be the place for you.
The best feature about Lower Pines is its location. It’s just stepping away from Curry Village, which makes it easy to get supplies like groceries and even beer! This campground can get crowded though, so be sure to get here early if possible.
How to book: Recreation.gov
Dog friendly: On leash, always attended. Pets are not allowed on Yosemite trails.
Open Season: Approx mid-Apr to mid-Oct
Camp 4
Camp 4 is probably the most popular campsite in Yosemite National Park. It's also one of the most historic. This is where rock climbing began in Yosemite, and it's still an active climbing area today.
Situated at an elevation of 4,000 feet, this campsite is near to Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Falls. Camp 4 is one of the most sought-after spots since it has 36 communal tent only sites.
Parking is available adjacent to the campground (it's a very short walk to the campsites). A parking permit is required from spring through fall. You will receive a free parking permit upon registering.
How to book: Recreation.gov
Dog friendly: Not allowed
Open Season: Year-round
Wawona Campground
Wawona Campground is the closest camping option near Mariposa Grove, where the renowned Grizzly Giant sequoia tree may be found. Wawona Campground is accessible year-round and features three separate campground loops along the South Fork Merced River. There are 93 tent and RV sites available, each with its fire ring, picnic table, and food locker, and all of them are conveniently located close to a restroom with running water and clean toilets. If you're looking for some peace away from the crowds, the Wawona Campground is located at the south end of the park and can be another option outside the campgrounds in Yosemite Valley.
How to book: Recreation.gov
Dog friendly: On leash, always attended. Pets are not allowed on Yosemite trails.
Open Season: Main camp is open year-round. Wawona Horse Camp closes each winter.
Summerdale Campground
Summerdale Campground is a campground technically in Sierra National Forest located about 1.5 miles south of the park's south gate on Highway 41. The sites are dispersed around a central meadow, nestled among cottonwoods, sugar pines, and cedars. The campsite is bordered on one side by a river.
There are 30 primitive campsites with access to flush toilets and running water at this park. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each location. You can bring your pet with you. There is a rolling reservation system that begins six months in advance for site reservations.
How to book: Recreation.gov
Dog friendly: On leash, always attended. Pets are not allowed on Yosemite or Sierra National Forest trails.
Open Season: Approx June to September
Hodgdon Meadow
Along Big, Oak Flat Road may be found a campsite that is situated close to the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park. It is approximately a 45-minute drive to Yosemite Valley and stands at an elevation of 4,900 feet. Crane Flat features a petrol station stocked with various quick-grab necessities. The trailheads for the Merced Grove and the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are easily accessible from the campsite through a short drive in either direction.
How to book: Recreation.gov
Dog friendly: Pets are not permitted in group campsites, but are allowed in standard sites as long as on-leash and attended. Pets are not allowed on Yosemite trails.
Open Season: Year-round
Yosemite Pet Policies?
If you bring your pet to Yosemite, please protect your pet, other people, and park wildlife by abiding by these regulations:
In developed areas, on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except when signed as not allowing pets)
In all campgrounds except walk-in campgrounds (ie Camp 4) and in group campsites
Pets Are Not Allowed
On trails, including the trail to Vernal Fall (however, pets are allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop), on unplowed roads covered in snow, or in undeveloped and wilderness areas
In public buildings, on shuttle buses, in lodging areas, or in all walk-in and group campgrounds/campsites, including Camp 4
Takeaway
Overall, Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places in the world to spend a vacation. As you consider your plans for an upcoming trip to Yosemite, be sure to include an overnight stay at least one of these eight sites. You'll be glad you did!
Once you find a great campsite within Yosemite National Park, make the most of it— Yosemite National Park has a lot to offer those who take the time to explore its many facets.
More posts to explore
